Amritsar, also known as Ambarsar shall mark its 450th foundation anniversary in the year 2027. Amritsar, the heart of Punjab where rich history, spirituality, Cultural Heritage, courage, and wisdom together create a timeless symphony. The city is nested in Indo-Gangatic plains, 60 km away from the Himalayan foothills. The geographical location of the city makes it the most fertile alluvial land best suited for Agriculture for wheat and rice cultivation. Apart from agriculture, the city has significant importance for is, textile, milk production, and handicrafts.
Historical background
The state of Punjab had a significant mention in Ramayana and Mahabharata with the name Panchanada, meaning Land of Five Rivers. The land of Punjab has been a cradle of great men and women who shaped not only the course of the region. The warriors of Punjab have shielded the region from foreign invaders, thereby shaping the history of India. The battle of Amritsar was fought between Guru Hargobind and the Mughal forces led by Mukhlis Khan on April 14, 1634.
In the battle Guru Hrbobind Singh Ji thwarted the Mughal forces, thereby The battle played a pivotal role in transforming the community of Punjab from a peaceful religious community into a strong military association to safeguard the faith and religion. The pious land has given the world the greatest men of all time, spiritual teachers and architects like Guru Ram Das, academic scholars like Guru Arjan Dev, the iconic king like Maharaja Ranjit Singh, freedom fighters like, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Udam Singh, Sardar Ujal Singh, Gurdial Singh, and the great warriors like Baba Deep Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh Baba Fateh Singh and many more.
The city of Amritsar was developed by Guru Ram Das, in 1574 with its original name Ramdaspur. He invited 52 skilled traders from different areas to settle in the city, which was initially covered with forests and lakes. Guru Ram Das instructed the development of a man-made pool, with the name, Amrita Saras or the ‘Pool of Nectar’. Even today we have the holy pool present at the Golden Temple where pilgrims from around the globe visit to seek blessings and feel the divinity of the place.
The grand celebration preparation reflects the pivotal role, the Punjab government plays in nurturing the growth and development of Amritsar.
While SGPC is planning to celebrate the occasion at a grand level, other religious organizations are also voluntarily participating to enrich the city of Amritsar. Eo-Sikh, a US-based sikh organization has announced their five-year plan committed to planting 450 forests across the city of Amritsar. This welcoming initiative shall foster the environment and reduce the environment problems.
In the hands of the present Punjab government, this great city has more potential to perform better. The Punjab government is also making major initiatives, for the development of Punjab. Recently the Punjab Vidhan Sabha speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan chaired a meeting with various organizations, welcoming their constructive suggestions to make the 450th Foundation Day of Amritsar a great success.
While in totality the Punjab government has invested in infrastructure, tourism, and cultural prevention ensuring the city of Amritsar sustains the essence of its spirituality and divinity. The world is ready to embrace the beauty of grandeur of Amritsar, and with the right steps, the government can make this radiant city an even more prominent jewel in the crown of India.